The Value of the Electoral College

Elections

America just wrapped up another presidential election, and in the wake of it a number of people are, once again, discussing the purpose of the Electoral College system. In recent times, many have asked whether it is time to start electing the President by popular vote only.

It’s an understandable question. In 2000, Al Gore won the national popular vote, but lost the election to George W. Bush thanks to the Electoral College, and this year President Obama’s 303 electoral votes looked like something of a landslide even though he barely squeaked by in virtually every battleground state. In Ohio, for instance, the President only received 50.1% of the vote, but that was all he needed to get all 18 of the state’s electoral votes. So with this in mind, would it be better for America to switch to a nationwide popular vote? The answer is no. Here’s why:

(more…)

READ MORE

DNC Speakers Seem Out of Touch with Party, Americans

Current Events, ,

Can you imagine what would have happened if the speakers at last week’s Republican National Convention had repeatedly called for something like the redefinition of the Second Amendment or doing away with “In God We Trust” on all our currency? I don’t think Republicans would have received it very well. Why? Well, most Republicans (and most Americans in general) favor the traditional understanding of the right to keep and bear arms, and the overwhelming majority of Americans self-identify as “Christian.” It stands to reason that most Republicans in this country would shy away from policy changes like that.

So why are so many of the speakers at the Democratic National Convention fixated on same-sex marriage and abortion?

(more…)

READ MORE